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Thyroid hormone is not for everyone, although levels do naturally decline with age or stress. The synthetic thyroid hormone, Synthroid (T4) is commonly prescribed by many physicians when thyroid tests are abnormal and in many cases doesn't seem to work as effectively as expected. Numerous patients who take their Synthroid as prescribed, with T4 levels in the "desirable therapeutic range" do not feel much significant improvement in their condition. Some even discontinue their medication and feel no significant difference.
Increasing the dose of Synthroid sometimes helps, but more often the benefit is greater when either T3 (Cytomel) is added or the patient uses Armour Thyroid (or a similar generic desiccated thyroid), which contains both T3 and T4. [New England Journal Of Medicine, 1999] Many physicians are unaware of this study.
When conversion of T4 to the more active metabolite T3 is inadequate, it becomes especially important to supplement with T3. Some T3 preparations come in a slow-release formula and are taken twice daily for a more even metabolic effect. This is because T3 does not remain active as long in the body as does T4.
History; Source
Used for a hundred years, natural thyroid hormone use was abandoned by most.
Thyroid hormone is a prescription drug and is supplied by drops, pills or capsules but is usually taken orally. The synthetic version is recommended by most traditional physicians. Recently, the generic brand has been proven to be as effective as the brand names, such as Synthroid.
Function; Reasons For Use
Natural thyroid has a combination of T4, T3, T2, T1. The synthetic thyroid produced by the drug companies uses only the T4 and rarely only T3. The active molecule is converted from the T4 to the active T3 and occasionally and inactive form called Reverse T3 is produced. Additionally, the T1 and T2 have some role in thyroid function, although scientifically it is not well worked out. There may also be some chaperone molecules in the natural product, ushering the thyroid better into the cells. Natural thyroid is much more forgiving than the synthetic thyroid.
Clinically, it is common to check the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) level, which is a pituitary hormone. Paradoxically, the higher this level is, the lower output the thyroid has. So, if the TSH is greater than 5, it indicates deficiency in thyroid output and/or production. Some doctors measure the actual hormone (T3 and/or T4), but the TSH is a more accurate biosensitive marker for thyroid activity.
Body temperature is regulated by thyroid function, so many Holistic physicians advocate taking the patient's temperature every three hours, starting three hours after getting up, three times, for three days. The further the temperature is away from 98.6°F, the more likely the patient is to have a transient (E. Dennis Wilson Syndrome) or permanent hypothyroidism.
Heart rate is also decreased with lower thyroid, but there are many other factors such as medication, heart disease and being "over athletic" which can also cause low heart rate and I don't recommend this to diagnose low thyroid.
Directions
The dose is between 30 and 365mg per day and is supplied by prescription in many sizes.
If one suspects hyperthyroidism, one should get the TSH level to document this abnormal state, since taking excess or not-needed thyroid hormones could cause osteoporosis.
If one takes thyroid, a repeat TSH should be done in three to six weeks and if this level is still high, a higher dose of thyroid is prescribed. Repeat studies are done until the TSH is less than 5. In general, the higher the TSH, the more thyroid is recommended. An ill or older patient should gradually increase his dosage until the desired amount has been established. Twice yearly, the TSH should be repeated. Two blood tests can be affected by consumption of this hormone. It can influence the protime in patients in common consistently taking Coumadin (Warfarin). Also, it will lower the cholesterol and tryglycerides in most individuals.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Side-effects are that of excess thyroid (hyperthroidism), and include nervousness, weight loss, sweats, decrease tolerance to heat, rapid heart action and insomnia.
In the past it was thought that osteoporosis may be worsened by excessive thyroid hormones. A recent study demonstrated that osteoporosis is only seen if TSH is left below 0.1 for a prolonged period of time. The goal is to reach an effective dose of hormone while keeping the TSH above 0.1. Many physicians keep the TSH at 3-5, which may not result in much clinical improvement.
On a daily basis, whether you take the hormone on an empty stomach or with food is not important, but you should not take thyroid medications with iron pills, liquid antacids or some anti-cholesterol drugs because they will interfere with absorption.
References & Further Information
Additional information on T4 and T3 can be found on Dr. Wilson's web site.
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Thyroid Medications can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Antacid (Antacids)
Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.
Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroid)
An abnormal condition of the thyroid gland resulting in excessive secretion of thyroid hormones characterized by an increased metabolism and weight loss.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroid)
Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and sleepiness.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Metabolite (Metabolites)
Any product (foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.
Pituitary (Pituitary Gland)
The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. It regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes. The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands, and also breast milk production.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Thyroxin (T4)
A thyroid hormone also prepared synthetically, for treatment of hypothyroidism and myxedema.
Urticaria (Hives)
Commonly known as hives, urticaria is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen by allergists. Urticaria is not just an allergic disease, however. It can be caused by metabolic diseases, medications, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, or physical sensitivity. Traditional allergies to foods or medications as well as viral illness are frequent causes of acute urticaria which usually lasts only a few hours but may last up to 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than 6 weeks) is more complex, given the vast number of potential triggers. Symptoms include sudden onset; initial itching; then swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (wheals) with clearly defined edges; welts turn white on touching; new welts develop when the skin is scratched; usually disappear within minutes or hours. Welts enlarge, change shape, spread or join together to form large flat raised areas.
Last updated: Jun 28, 2008
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